From July 1, camping fees in Grand Canyon National Park will increase to $12 per person per night.
According to the National Parks Service, the increase in fees is intended to help offset government budget deficit as well as to pay the costs of operating backcountry information centers and permit offices in Grand Canyon National Park.
The current camping rate is $8/night per person.
The fee hike is also applicable to stock animals such as mules that often accompany groups to or out of the canyon. It’s in addition to a $10 permit that is required for backcountry camping within Grand Canyon National Park.
Backcountry camping permit applications are accepted up to four months ahead.
The park approves around 13,000 permits for Grand Canyon backcountry camping each year. Permits are required for those who wish to camp at any location outside of Grand Canyon’s campgrounds.
Camping without a permit is allowed at Grand Canyon’s Mather Campground and Desert View Campground, but visitors need to reserve their space early since national parks across the U.S. are already planning for record-breaking crowds.
This story originally appeared on Travel and Leisure.
